Zane Educationmay be the solution to your child’s needs – gifted to various special needs and reading literacy levels. You can follow the links I’ve provided in this post, but also watch for my personal review, coming soon.

Blessings,

Disclaimer – I was not asked to write this post, nor was I compensated, in any way, for writing it. I appreciate the privilege of expressing my honest, personal opinions here, on my blog.

I also appreciate your comments… Thank you.

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

Share this:

None of my children are chomping at the bit to earn a math major. I’m trying to think whether or not I have any that actually like mathematics. Hmm…some of them at least acknowledge that they will have to take a couple of math courses in college to obtain their degree, but it is a reluctant acknowledgement. Yes, they realize the importance of numbers and the place they hold in the order of life, but wish it didn’t have to apply directly to them. Sorry to say, I totally understand; so, I’m always looking for ways to keep their attention long enough for them to acquire and hone their necessary math skills.

The creators of IXL Learning must know students like mine! IXL is a bright, colorful; and even fun, online program that allows your child to practicemath concepts, while tracking mastery.

They have over 2,000 skills listed by grade or by topic, supplying unlimited questions for Pre-K through Algebra, with future plans to add Geometry, Trigonometry, AND Language Arts!

We are currently using two different math curriculums, and IXL.com easily supplements both of them. Choosing by topic has worked the best for us, because the teaching and instruction occurs with the curriculum we’re using, followed by examples and practice with the IXL correlating topic. When working a problem, if the student answers incorrectly they can ask the program for an explanation and one is supplied, otherwise IXL is strictly practice; not instruction.

IXL.com gives me access to all of their grade levels; so, if my child is excelling in one area I can allow him to advance, while working through a different level in another area. I think this has kept boredom at bay. Also, students can unlock virtual rewards and prizes to place on a game board as they excel. Mine call them stickers, because they remind them of our “in house” sticker reward program from their younger years.

The best part of the program for me is the reporting that IXL does. They track each students progress and keep a report of the time they’ve spent on the program AND the time spent working problems. Because of this, I can teach to specific areas that need improvement.

IXLMembership is $79 a year for your 1st child and $20 a year for each additional child. There is also a per month option of $9.95 for the 1st child and just $2 a month for each additional child. Membership gives you access to every grade level and topic available.

Please, take a few minutes to follow the links I’ve provided here and browse the IXL website. You can also read the opinions the Schoolhouse Review Crew, when you click the graphic below.

Blessings,

Disclaimer* Access to this online program was given to me, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review, as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

Every week I anticipate a tidbit, a tasty morsel, or encouraging highlight from a member of the Review Crew, and I’m looking forward to reading each of them! I think this will be a treasure trove of tiny blessings! I hope you’ll read along with me.

Blessings,

Just a note of *disclaimer. I wrote this post because I wanted to; because I enjoy the Crew, and wanted to share The Spotlight with you. I did not write it because I receive any type of compensation for it – I don’t. The honest opinions expressed on this blog are mine.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to your comments.

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

Share this:

For almost 25 years my children have been receiving magazine subscriptions, as Christmas gifts, from two of the best aunts in the world! When we had only small children they ordered Your Big Backyard; as we added children to our household, the aunts kept up with the older ones and addedRanger Rick. We continued to add a newborn every couple of years, for several years, and the older ones just never stopped getting older; so, eventually National Geographic was added. Last year was the first year in a long time that Big Backyard did not come to our house. My “littles” have finally outgrown it. You wouldn’t believe how many back issues of these magazines I have kept! My children have always been interested in nature; animals, bugs, trees, water, etc. They read about it, draw it, take photos of it, and generally appreciate God’s creation of it, every single day.

I wish I had known aboutCreation Illustrated! It would have been at the top of my Humbly-Request-Your-Consideration-of-These-Magazines List for the aunts gift subscription choices.

Click the graphic to read, “Who Are We?“

Creation Illustrated has been published, by Tom and Jennifer Ish, for 19 years, and they have dedicated it to “sharing the wonders of God’s creation in nature, in Scripture, and in living.”

Spring 2012 Issue of Creation Illustrated

Features of the Spring 2012 issue include:

A Creatures Near and Dear to Us feature on hummingbirds called “Flying Jewels”

An Outdoor Adventure story on Yellowstone National Park

A Lens on Creation snapshot of birds on “Bonaventure Island”

A Creation Day 6, Part 3 story on the Creation of Humans

Creation Highlights in the news

A Creation Resource Guide

A Creation Stewardship page

My Walk with God story called “Bloom Where You’re Planted”

A Genesis Cuisine recipe section featuring Smoothies for homemakers

A Wholesome Living Guide

An encouraging children’s story called “Bunny Surprise”

A Youth Photo Contest

An Instructional Guide to help homeschoolers and teachers glean key spiritual and character-building lessons from each article

An Educational Resource Guide

Uplifting poetry

And more!

~

These magazines are stunning and impressive in their quality! Every page is printed on heavy paper, using vivid color and high gloss. A 55 page, Biblically founded, nature journal. UnlikeNational Geographic, in the respect that I do not have to say, “Don’t browse through the magazine until I get the chance to look at it first,” when it comes in the mail. With NG I had to have the opportunity to prepare for discussion of some content, ahead of time; some articles and pictures were not even approved for viewing, at certain ages. I trust Creation Illustrated and it is a free-for-all to see who gets it first!

A 1-year subscription, 4 issues is $19.95, 2-yrs. (8) for $37.95, or 3-yrs. (12) for $53.95. There are several back issues available for $2.99 each plus s/h. Although, I understand the costs of publication, compared to the larger magazines, I acknowledge that some might find this a little steep in price. I can get more issues, for less money, if I choose a different magazine, but also get a lack of my God in creation, old-earth mentality, evolution, and assundry other ideas I’d rather not deal with every time a page is turned. I, personally, think the cost is worth it and I’ll adjust my budget, or put in a request to the aunts, to support the wonder that is Creation Illustrated magazine.

~

Please, follow the links I’ve posted here and take a few minutes to read the opinions of an outstanding group of reviewers, by clicking the graphic below.

Blessings,

Disclaimer* Four issues of this magazine were given to me, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review, as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments!

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

Approximately 200 homeschool families comprise our Schoolhouse Review Crew, and the fact that I will be featured in a Spotlight is both amazing and humbling. It is an honor to work with the multitalented people on this Crew; supporting and encouraging the homeschool community around the world.

I hope you’ll read my post, The Experienced Homeschool Mom, then stop back here and let me know what you think of it. I am so excited to share it with you!

Blessings,

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

Share this:

Have I mentioned that we tend to gravitate toward art and writing, as opposed to math? I think each of my children would say they enjoy the creativity of expressing themselves artistically, through drawing or painting, musically, or as a wordsmith, with little inclination to numbers crunching. I acknowledge that numbers are vital to the order of the universe, though; so, I am always looking for ways to mathematically engage my students.

Pearson Homeschool desires to support our commitment to give our children the best education possible. “From kitchen table to computer, our proven resources propel learning at your child’s perfect pace. You can teach core skills confidently with proven programs built on the best education research.”

Click graphic to read Why Pearson Homeschool Curriculum?

Pearson Homeschool has affordable curriculum packages available for grades Pre-K through 12.

We have used several online computer programs for math, in the past few months, and I think my daughter enjoys having a book-in-hand and not having to schedule available PC time. enVisionMATHis a full math curriculum and it does teach sequential concepts, which I definitely like, but I am still undecided whether or not I would use it exclusively as our math program. Grade 4, has been a wonderful gap-filler, for us, and I do expect to complete every lesson with my daughter.

enVisionMATH Grade 4 – Table of Contents –

Topic 1: Numeration

Topic 2: Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers

Topic 3: Multiplication Meanings and Facts

Topic 4: Division Meanings and Facts

Topic 5: Multiplying by 1-Digit Numbers

Topic 6: Patterns and Expressions

Topic 7: Multiplying by 2-Digit Numbers

Topic 8: Dividing by 1-Digit Divisors

Topic 9: Lines, Angles, and Shapes

Topic 10: Understanding Fractions

Topic 11: Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Topic 12: Understanding Decimals

Topic 13: Operations with Decimals

Topic 14: Area and Perimeter

Topic 15: Solids

Topic 16: Measurement, Time, and Temperature

Topic 17: Data and Graphs

Topic 18: Equations

Topic 19: Transformations, Congruence, and Symmetry

Topic 20: Probability

Click graphic for Features and Benefits of enVisionMATH – Grade 4

This is a non-consumable book, which I actually appreciate, since I can re-use it with my other children without an added expense, but a notebook is needed in addition to the student text. The course can be teacher intensive, because the introduction of a new concept sometimes lacks fine details, in the student text, and must be taught. In this case, I like that it forces me to remain hands-on with my child’s education. Assessment of her strengths and needs is easy, because I’m involved on a daily basis. Teaching Guides are available and I do not think this is difficult to teach.

Click graphic for a list of Homeschool Resources

~

I hope you will follow the many links I’ve provided throughout this post, and check out the opinions of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, when you click the graphic below. Pearson Homeschool has a lot to offer!

Blessings,

Disclaimer* A copy of this product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review, as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

Share this:

My family and I love the beach! The sand, the waves; even the salt, but none of us are really interested in diving into the ocean and having 1500 feet of water above our heads. That’s why it’s nice to have someone like Annie Crawley, AKA Ocean Annie, take us under the deep blue sea and show us just what we’re missing.

Annie Crawley is an accomplished boat captain, underwater cinematographer, film maker, educator, and creator of the Dive Into Your Imaginationcompany, among other things.

Annie says, “Although I loved Finding Nemo, because of the exposure it gave to our oceans, it was only a story. I wanted to give children the real story, have them exposed to the real animals and talk about the natural history of the animals because they are so animated in their natural environment, they don’t need any stories but their own. I created Dive Into Your Imagination series for kids, to get them out of the virtual world and into the real world…”

Dive Into Diversity is a 44 minute DVD, including The Ocean Song, and Special Features:Meet Annie; Meet Craig (the music creator), Transcripts (covering each chapter), and Credits. It is divided into 8 chapters –

Night Diving on the Reef

Dive Into Diversity

Be a Submarine Pilot

Swim in a Kelp Forest

Invertebrates of the Sea

Coral Reef Living

Sea Animals with Backbones and

Wacky, Weird, Crusty Crustaceans

Click graphic to view Sample video chapter

As seen on the DVD cover, this video was written for Pre-K and up. The photography is phenomenal! It does, indeed, hold the attention of a preschooler and a teen, at the same time. It can be viewed in English, Spanish, or with Music only. The musical score beautifully fits each spectacular scene! If I could count the gorgeous real-life images only, I would say this is one of the best under-sea videos we’ve ever seen, and it is well worth the cost of $19.95.

Annie Crawley has developed Educator Guides for each DVD in the series. The 300 page guide is a massive resource, covering grades Pre-K – 3, and when it is used in conjunction with the DVD a full unit study of learning is created. Although it is written for use in a classroom, and therefore has many activities geared toward groups of students, I still found it easily adaptable for homeschool use. Printed guides are $299.00 each, but are also available as individual PDF’s for $69.95. I think the price reflects the original intent of purchase by a brick & mortar school system.

As a reader of my blog, and a follower of TOS Homeschool Crew, Annie is presenting you with a special offer! Choose the DVD you’d like to order; when you place your order mention that you homeschool and she will send you a FREE PDF. Do not actually order the Educator Guides from the website – just make a notation in the comment section of your DVD order, such as, “I am a Homeschool Parent and I would like a copy of the Educator Guides, as offered through TOS Homeschool Crew.” I do not know how long this offer will be available. I can tell you that through the month of June 2012, there will be FREE SHIPPING with any order placed at www.AnnieCrawley.com/store/, as a “thank you” for your readership.

Personally, I have not and will not allow my young children to watch this video without supervision, with the exception of watching in music only mode. It is extremely time consuming to sift through the densehumanistic world-viewthat isin opposition to our Bible-based, Creationist world-view. Much of the agenda is inferred, and it’s very subtle, but as this series is geared toward young, impressionable children I believe it has the potential to slowly erode the foundation that some of us are trying to build, if we are unaware. One marketing tag line says, “Dive Into Your Imagination is changing the way a new generation views the Ocean and themselves!”

~

Here is quoted content, for your consideration, from the second chapter of the DVD, Dive Into Diversity –

“Nature and all creatures must have balance in order to survive. Diversity means variety, which means differences in shapes, sizes, skills, and colors. Diversity in nature helps to protect the balance that is necessary in the world…Some animals might be fast while others are slow. Some might be long, while others are short. One might be purple, while another is green. Can you think of one way that you are different from another person? This is diversity. Fish don’t say to one another, ‘OOOhhh, you are too…blue, or black, or white…’They don’t care about the color of one another’s skin…Did you know that Clown Fish are born male and as they grow can change to become a female? The largest fish in their family is a she…The Wrusses are a group of fish where the girl fish can turn into a boy fish. Animals in the sea are not concerned with what we think. They do what they do in order to survive…So, let’s dive into the ocean of our imagination and learn to accept one another no matter our color, or our style. Just like the animals of the sea, we all need to respect one another and our diversity.”

I think this is propaganda and it borders on attempted indoctrination.

~

In the Educator Guides you will repeatedly read leading text such as, “Thanks for helping change the way a new generation views the ocean and themselves. Our ocean needs protected and we protect what we love…By teaching our children to thank our Ocean and give gratitude to nature, we are teaching them to have respect and gratitude for life on our planet.”

I believe we may be teaching them false doctrine if we use this Guide, as is, and do not address The Truth of Scripture. We are to worship The One, True and Living God, without hint of any other God before Him. We are to care for all things He has given us power and dominion over, but we are not to raise them [the planet, nature, or our ocean] above mankind or Him.

~

The DVD is much less evolutionary than many animal/nature shows on Discovery or National Geographic, but again, the mere subtlety, left unchecked, can be erosive. The Guide tends to be more direct, with statements like, “Animals that come out at night have night vision and have evolved different senses for living in the dark.”

~

We are ones to usually enjoy any behind the scenes or special features that are available. We enjoyed the background on Annie and proceeded to watch the brief segment on Craig, the music creator. We watched with interest as he discusses the process of writing the musical score for the video. You find him in his office, with his keyboard, the DVD he is scoring playing in front of him, a picture on his desk that is possibly his family, another photograph of the Dalai Lama, and two Buddha statues. It is my opinion that this quick visual was not accidental, nor is my reference to it here.

~

Finally, while I value and respect Annie Crawley’s specialized skill in capturing life under the ocean, I do not appreciate the pervasive way Dive Into Your Imagination attempts to “change the way a new generation views” anything. I maintain that this DVD is exceptional and it’s a remarkable view of a world usually unseen; yet, we are the sentinels charged with teaching our children a Godly world-view and we must be diligent not to lose ground.

Disclaimer* A DVD of this product and a PDF was given to me, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments.

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.